Friday, May 12, 2017
MUSICAL NEWS for Friday, May 12, 2017
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Labels: chris isaacson presents, hff17, laguna playhouse, panic productions, theatre unleashed
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
MUSICAL NEWS for Wednesday, August 24, 2016
“When a free-spirited mother convinces her whip-smart teenage daughter to join her on a drive across the country, neither can imagine where it will take them. Chance encounters with a motley crew of characters along the way brings them closer to understanding what sets them apart — and what connects them forever. A vibrant and affecting new American musical, Miss You Like Hell exudes the joy, love and frustration of being a family in a changing country.” Joining Rubin-Vega as Beatriz are Krystina Alabado, Cliff Bemis, Vanessa A. Jones, David Patrick Kelly, Julio Monge, Olivia Oguma, Victor Chan, Cashae Monya, and Kürt Norby. www.LaJollaPlayhouse.org
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Labels: cyanide theater, la jolla playhouse, palos verdes performing arts, rubicon theatre, theatre unleashed
Friday, October 31, 2014
Review: Theatre Unleashed's POPE! An Epic Musical
In 2012 Theatre Unleashed produced a clever little parody musical by Justin Moran called The Spidey Project that spoofed a big problematic Broadway extravaganza no one could stop talking about (Spider-Man, Turn off the Dark). It also took some very funny shots at the comic book superhero genre as a whole. Expectations were low and the show ended up being loads of fun. Score one for the good guys.
Now T.U. has mounted Moran’s latest new work, Pope! An Epic Musical, by tapping a similar well. Both deal in superhero trade but this time around the story isn’t based on a pre-existing character everyone knows and loves. Instead, this good guy is an obscure young Catholic Pope (Jase Lindgren) who leads his people with sermons inspired by everyday objects like New England clam chowder and blueberry muffins.
It’s a set-up that could easily skewer a topic like religion with great results but the two main attributes of this new musical – exuberance and good intentions – aren’t enough. The biggest problem is that it’s hard to root for a hero who turns into a sniveling whiner at the first sign of trouble…especially after he’s been sweetly espousing his faith as the answer to everyone around him since he was thirteen. When it comes time for him to put his faith in God, he slinks away to Africa licking his wounds and wallowing in drink and despair. All it took was an evil Archbishop (Shawn Cahill) to publicly discredit him with a trumped-up sex scandal. (Now that’s a pope who would never make it in this day and age.)
Lindren is sincere, in a Ben Stiller kind of way, but the writer gives his superficial character such a weak journey that by the time he has the chance to rise to the occasion, there is little to care about. A mild-mannered leader who has never struggled a day in his life and gives up so easily doesn’t feel worthy of our sympathy.
Still, even with the thin plot and gimmicky jokes, the work of the director and actors can sometimes overcome weak material if they are on their game. In this case, Gregory Crafts and his cast favor big performances that aren’t always based in truth so the humor has nothing in which to ground itself. Robot altar boys from outer space and a surprise tap break that came out of left field featuring R. Benito Cardenas were jokes that landed but, for the most part, the ensemble is out-of-step and over-the-top. The result is a production that feels like it’s trying too hard.
The score is made up of mostly upbeat pop songs (music & musical direction by Christopher Pappas, lyrics by Moran) whose humor is undermined at times by the volume of the keyboard accompaniment. I also question the choice of making the pre-show and intermission music so somber. The Gregorian chants are enough to lull you to sleep, casting a pall over the theater before the show even begins and killing any momentum gained in Act I when the show breaks for intermission.
If exuberance and good intentions were enough, Pope! might come closer to the epic experience predicted in its title. As it is, for this audience member, this one just didn’t fly.
POPE! AN EPIC MUSICAL
Through November 17, 2014
The Belfry Stage Upstairs at the Crown
11031 Camarillo St.
North Hollywood, CA 91602
Tickets: $15, (818) 849-4039 or
www.theatreunleashed.com
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Labels: theatre unleashed
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Musical News for Saturday, September 13, 2014
Eileen Barnett stars as “the caterwauling countess,” with Matthew Wrather as her longtime accompanist Cosmé McMoon and Leland Crooke as her boyfriend and manager, St. Clair. Janellen Steininger is loyal friend Dorothy, and Carol Abney doubles as the singer’s obstreperous maid, Maria, and as Jenkins’ detractor, Mrs. Verrender-Gedge. Glorious! runs Oct 8 - Nov. 2 (Opening night Oct. 10). International City Theatre is located in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center at 300 E. Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach, CA 90802. Tickets: 562-436-4610 or www.InternationalCityTheatre.org.
The cast includes Harley Jay, Sheldon Robert Morley, Kevin Patrick Doherty, Jonathan Brett, Bryan Dobson, and Paul David Bryant along with Heidi Godt, Eric Ronquillo, Kevin Paul, Jason Sluyter, Jade Anna Rosenberg, Natalie Haro, Cori Cable Kidder, Rebecca Morris, Bradley Nolan, Sarah Meals and Eloise Coopersmith. The Full Monty contains partial nudity, adult language and situations and is recommended for mature audiences. The Norris Theatre is located at 27570 Norris Center Dr., Rolling Hills Estates 90274. Tickets: (310) 544-0403 or www.palosverdesperformingarts.com.
Third Street Theatre and Oddbird Theatricals present the world premiere, fully-realized production of Bronies: The Musical, with music by Joe Greene, book and lyrics by Heidi Powers and Tom Moore, choreography by John Todd, musical direction by Jennifer Lin and direction by Richard Israel. Bronies tells the story of three outsiders who find purpose, meaning, love – and each other – all thanks to those fantastical cartoon ponies so many may love as the ultimate super-fans! It explores the phenomenon of fandom through the lens of pony fans – including all the passion, the awkwardness, the creativity, and the community it can inspire. The cast includes Joey Acuna, Brielle Batino, Anna Grace Barlow, Mark Gelsomini, Molly Gilman, Joe Greene, Stephanie Hayslip, Taylor Helmboldt, Rachel Hirshee, Hannah James, Josey Montana McCoy, Tom G. McMahon, Blaine Miller, Shelley Regner, Gabby Sanalitro, Richy Storrs and Charlotte Mary Wen. Bronies will run Sept. 25 – Nov. 1 at the Third Street Theatre, 8115 W. Third Street in West Hollywood.
Boss: The Untold Tony Danza Story extends for four shows at the Theatre Asylum Lab in Hollywood. With new producing partners Monica Martin of Complex Theaters and Matthew Quinn of Combined Artform/Theatre Asylum, the team behind Boss introduces The ExtravaDANZA, a live 80s themed interactive variety show featuring musical acts, stand up, dance, trivia and prizes. The ExtravaDANZA premieres during the September 27th and October 25th performances of Boss at the Theatre Asylum Lab in Hollywood. Written and performed by actors Damien Luvara and Jennifer Monce, and directed by Michelle Thorn, the cast (which also includes Meghan Parks, Christopher Schram, Jordan Rennick, Matt Wool, Hannah Kanengieter, and Gabriel Rissa) explores the nature of the entertainment industry and how far some people will go to achieve success in it.
“With ExtravaDANZA, we wanted to create something unique, fun and different that surpassed the average theatre experience,” says Luvara. “The ExtravaDANZA is a multi-disciplined exploration of everything 80s that will transport the audience to an entire hit era through one hit TV show.” Theatre Asylum Lab, 1078 Lillian Way in Hollywood, 90038. www.theatreasylum-la.com
Theatre Unleashed is back with a new musical by Justin Moran, POPE! An Epic Musical, which will play The Belfry in North Hollywood Oct. 11-Nov. 17. An idealistic young Pope (also named Pope) is framed for a heinous crime and banished from the Vatican. The people, blinded by the media frenzy, allow a tyrannical archbishop to seize power. As this new Pope tightens his iron fist the people are disheartened and in despair and the world is crying out for a hero. POPE! is an adventure that echoes the timeless mythological hero’s journey; when good and evil engage in an epic power struggle lines must be drawn, sides must be taken, and confrontations must be musical. POPE! runs Saturdays and Mondays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 7 pm. TU also presents original One Acts from the company’s Writer’s Group on Fridays at 8 pm and Saturdays immediately following POPE! www.theatreunleashed.com
FESTIVALS: The Encuentro 2014 National Theatre Festival begins in October and will be held at Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. Highlights featuring music include Enrique’s Journey (10/17 – 11/7) adapted and directed by Anthony J. Garcia. Based on the Pulitzer Prize winning work of Sonia Nazario with music composed and directed by Daniel Valdez. Enrique’s Journey depicts the contemporary odyssey of a Honduran boy who braves unimaginable hardship and peril to reunite with his mother in the United States.
For a full schedule of all events and more information, go to www.thelatc.org. Most tickets are only $20 when ordered with the promotional code ENC14. To purchase tickets, go the website or call (866) 811-4111. LATC is located in the heart of the revived downtown historic core at 514 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
True to the blues, the would-be record deal falls through, he’s got no gigs, he’s penniless and hopeless with Lilly in the hospital dying, and he soon finds himself lying in the middle of a frozen road one night, about to die, when he is visited by life-changing forces. Lilly’s spirit leaves her body and descends upon I.B. to convince him that life is worth living, then magically guides two young homeless hard-rock musicians, Layla Knuckles (America’s Got Talent winner Bianca Ryan) and Dustin Ladue (Boogie Long, Guitar Center King of the Blues winner) who rescue I.B. and restore him to the Blues Bucket. They also pick up a young runaway, Sam The Rapper (RCA/Sony recording artist Pryce) and together, the foursome will create music history and triumph. Certified by the Dove Foundation for family-appropriate viewing 12 years to adult.
Performances are Sept. 19 - 25, 2014. Fri. at 8:30, Sat. & Sun. at 6:00, Mon. & Tues. at 6:30, Wed. & Thurs. at 8:15 p.m. Red Carpet for Friday world premiere will begin 30 minutes before screening. Tickets: ($12) are available in advance at http://arenascreen.com. Info: (323) 306-0676. Arena Cinema Hollywood, 1625 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood, CA 90028. Discounted parking is available with validation at lots adjacent to the venue and across the street.
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Labels: haugh pac, international city theatre, theatre unleashed, third street theatre
Sunday, September 23, 2012
What's Happening Around Town for September 23
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The cast has been announced for San Diego Musical Theatre’s production of Footloose directed and choreographed by Robert Marra which will run September 28 - October 14 at the Birch North Park Theatre. The Tom Snow/Dean Pitchford musical will star Anton Fero as Ren McCormack, Emma Degerstadt as Ariel Moore, Cris O'Bryon as Reverend Shaw Moore, Laura Dickinson as Vi Moore, Jon Eidson as Willard Hewitt, Kaitlyn Etter as Rusty, Aleksander D'Avignon as Chuck Cranston, Meagan Flint as Urleen, Catie Marron as Wendy Jo, Debra Wanger as Ethel McCormack, Michael Pinning as Garvin/Cowboy Bob, Daniel Filippi as Jeter, Ricardo Cota, Jr. as Bickle, Kevin McDonald as Travis, David Crane as Lyle, Jeni Hawkes as Lulu Warnicker, Kasey Viani as Betty Blast/Eleanor Dunbar, Charles Maze as Wes, Ted Leib as Coach Roger Dunbar, and Ed Hollingsworth as Principal Clark. The ensemble includes Cassie Bowerman, Courtney Fero, Tiffany Loui, Danny Dwaine Wells II, and Matthew Williams. Birch North Park Theatre, 2891 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104. For more information and tickets call 858-560-5740 or go to www.sdmt.org.
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Godspell, Jr., the authorized version of the Broadway hit for young audiences, acted by young performers opens at the Eclectic Company Theatre October 26. Godspell, Jr. features music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and was conceived by John Michael Tebelak based on the Gospels According to St. Matthew and St’ Luke. It will be directed by Bonnie Hellman, with musical direction by Roy Leake, Jr., and choreography by Terry J. Barto and is produced for the Children’s Theatre Group of Southern California by Robert Briscoe Evans and Sherry Lynn. The cast includes Livia Grace Blum, Zoe Calamar, Catherine Crouch, Jake Foster, Addison Landsburg, Sara McMahon, Noah Meyers and Daniela Rodrigo. The Eclectic Company Theatre, 5312 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Valley Village, CA 91607 (between Chandler and Magnolia Blvds.) October 26- November 18. Fri. & Sat. at 7pm, Sun. at 2pm. Admission is $15. For reservations and more information please call (818) 508-3003 or go to www.ctgsc.org.
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Performance Riverside is holding open call auditions for professional non-union performers in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, September 30 at 6pm, with callbacks the following day. Auditions will take place at Landis Performing Arts Center on the Riverside City College campus, 4800 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside. Director: Matt Neves. Music Director: David Lamoureux. Prepare 16-bars to showcase comic skills. Bring photo/resume and sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. Come prepared to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule. All roles are open. Click Here for more information.
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And if you’re in New York, Theatre Unleashed's production of Super Sidekick: The Musical has extended its run in the Fringe Encore Series. Only about one in ten of the Fringe shows gets invited back, and Super Sidekick is the only children's show to receive this honor in the history of the festival. Two performances remain on September 29 and 30. Click Here for tickets.
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Labels: ctgsc, performance riverside, san diego musical theatre, theatre unleashed
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
What's Happening Around Town for Sept 5
The Grove Theatre will begin performances of Fiddler on the Roof, starring Isaac Keith Swann as Tevya, on September 7. Set in 1905 in the small Jewish village of Anatevka, Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. The musical will run through Sunday, September 23. Tickets are $25 and $20 with senior, student and group discounts available. For tickets and information call (909) 920-4343, or visit www.grovetheatre.com.
Divas Unite for GCP 2012
The Coterie presents a benefit concert for Divas Unite for GCP 2012 on Sunday, September 9. Performers include Arielle Jacobs, Lexi Lawson, Shoshana Bean, Anneliese Van Der Pol, Carla Renata, Crystal Starr Knighton, Megan Reinking, Kasi Jones, Tinuke Oyefule, and Ashley Argota. GPC is an organization founded to inspire connection, self-awareness, community and a sense of belonging among young girls world-wide, while allowing them to contribute to each other's growth and empowerment. The Coterie at Preston’s Restaurant (mezzanine level), Loews Hollywood Hotel, 1755 N. Highland Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028. For tickets visit www.TheCoterieLA.com.
From the voice studio of Dan Callaway
September Musical Theatre Workshop Details:
This month I will pick out a song for you that will serve a useful purpose in your audition book. We’ll work your song from the ground up and have some polish on it by the end of the four classes. Our special guest is Michael Paternostro. The evening sessions include dinner and snacks 6:30-7:30. Dates are Tues, Sept. 11 (6:30-10pm), Thurs, Sept. 13 (6:30-11pm), Tues, Sept. 18 (6:30-10pm) and Thurs, Sept. 20 (6:30-10pm). The Singing Cottage, 4922 Vineland Ave., N Hollywood 91601,$300 cash/check/or credit card ($75 per class). Class is limited to 8. To hold your spot, email dan@MyLAVoiceTeacher.com.
Theatre Unleashed will present Little Shop of Horrors Sept. 20 - Oct. 27 at studio/stage in Hollywood. Little Shop of Horrors is the modern classic tale of a boy and his man-eating plant. Stuck working as a florist's assistant for a fledgling flower shop in the slums of Skid Row, Seymour Krelborn, an orphan and hopeless romantic, strikes gold (or at least a vein) when he happens upon a most exotic and unusual plant he dubs "Audrey 2" -- after his doe-eyed object of desire and co-worker Audrey. The only problem is the plant's nutrient of choice is blood…human blood! Performances are 8pm at studio/stage, 520 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004. Tickets are $20. www.theatreunleashed.com
1776 - Cabrillo Music Theatre
Cabrillo Music Theatre celebrates election season with 1776 opening Friday, October 19
at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Directed and choreographed by Nick DeGruccio, with musical direction by Steven Applegate, the production will star Pete Husmann as John Adams, Steve Gunderson as Benjamin Franklin, Dan Callaway as Thomas Jefferson, and Michael Andrew Baker as John Dickinson. Performance of 1776 will run through Sunday, October 28. A post-show discussion will follow the Saturday, October 20th, 2pm performance and a signed performance for the deaf and hard-of-hearing will take place on the Friday, October 26th performance. Tickets are on sale now at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza box office located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, at Ticketmaster or by calling (800) 745-3000. For more information, go to www.cabrillomusictheatre.com.
Joan Stein Memorial
Friends, family, and colleagues will gather on Monday, October 8 at 8:00pm at the Brentwood Theatre in Los Angeles to celebrate the life of Joan Stein. A major force in theatre on both coasts, Stein was producer and/or general manager on over 80 productions during her career of over 30 years. She died on August 3 in Los Angeles of appendiceal cancer. She was 59. The Brentwood Theatre is located on the Veteran’s Administration grounds at 11301 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, 90073. Upon entering the VA campus off Wilshire, follow road signs to the Brentwood Theatre.
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Labels: cabrillo music theatre, coterie, the grove theatre, theatre unleashed
Sunday, March 11, 2012
The Spidey Project Hits Los Angeles
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| The cast of The Spidey Project. Photo credit: Alicia Reyes |
Theatre Unleashed scored a coup when a series of well-timed coincidences made possible their West Coast Premiere of The Spidey Project: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility now running at studio/stage in L.A. [Read story here]. The company was intrigued by creator Justin Moran’s mission to prove that it was possible to produce a Spiderman musical with a budget of $0 in less than 30 days as another big budget behemoth loomed on the horizon. Well, Moran did, gaining notoriety and a monumental following last spring for his Broadway parody. It was scheduled to play one performance in New York but a second late night show was added when the first sold out instantly.
T/U continued to follow the development of Moran’s musical throughout its genesis, cheering it along every step of the way. Now they have gamely picked up the gauntlet and, in the spirit in which it was created, produced a thoroughly charming and hilarious version of The Spidey Project as the opening show of their season.
In keeping with the comic book feel of the original, simple production elements include a few moving panels that become a variety of locations with the change of a wall hanging, and minimal set pieces. Comic book renderings of the prominent characters in action panels line the walls and a television screen flashes show cards that tell you where the action is taking place.
Beyond that, it’s up to the actors to bring this story to life and you can tell they’re having a blast doing it. Since the show is a parody it stylistically favors the broader style of improv, with humor best enjoyed by planting one’s tongue firmly in one’s cheek.
The story is simple; mild-mannered nerd photographer Peter Parker gets bit by a radioactive spider, becomes superhero Spidey, and battles an assortment of comic book villains before getting the girl. It plays out in a series of fast-paced scenes filled with delicious characters, clever surprises, and a big dose of heart, all directed beautifully by David Chrzanowiski. His gift for highlighting the essential elements of the story keeps everyone on track and his fight choreography is fresh and fun. Johanna Hernandez’s movement and dance choreography carries the comedy through in the details and adds another layer of levity to numbers like “Chipotle” and “Who is the Man?”
The cast is terrific too, led by Ryan J. Hill as an adorably sweet and shy Peter Parker, so much so that his transformation into Spidey is truly an unexpected delight. Wait till you see him fly around the stage, leaping tall buildings and circling the city….guaranteed laughs every time. Kyle Cooper is his nemesis, Flash, the typical cocksure high school stud, and one villain you’ll love to hate. Cooper takes Flash to the limit and is so committed to his character that he’s laugh-out-loud funny.
The sweetheart they both have eyes for is girl next door Gwen (Krista Taylor), who can’t seem to disentangle herself from the ‘I’ve-got-my-eye-on-you’ cad, Flash. Lauren Turner makes a wildly eccentric Betty Brant who works at the Daily Bugle, along with J. Jonah Jameson (Ben Atkinson) her blustering, politically incorrect boss. And though the musical is set in New York City and it may not be intentional (or is it?), Justin Baker’s Emmy-seeking reporter Kent Hollbrook reminded me of L.A.’s own local TV reporter, Kent Shocknek. Peter’s Uncle Ben, played by Darren Mangler, has one of the funniest songs of the night, “Hero of Men,” when he mistakenly thinks Peter is complimenting him following their talk about the birds and the bees, which itself is a hilarious misunderstanding that only a well-meaning uncle can make.
Musical direction is by Jordan Ostrowski, who plays keyboards and conducts the rocking band, which also includes Mike Walsh on guitar, Henry Gonzales on bass and Simon Thomsen on drums. They make a terrific accompaniment to the comic book world of Spidey and his friends. In a nutshell, The Spidey Project is an immensely fun, funny, and lean 75 minutes of good time.
With so much going for it, no wonder so many of the performances are already sold out. Tickets are still available for additional dates that have been added however you might also want to show up just in case there are no-shows. There were a few at the performance I saw and it’s possible you’ll get in. Plus, the role of Dr. Spiderman (pronounced Spidderman) changes every night so you never know who you might see. Gregory Crafts played him at my performance and it’s definitely a mad scientist cameo to remember.
The Spidey Project currently runs through April 14. For tickets and more information go to www.theatreunleashed.com.
The Spidey Project
Book & lyrics by Justin Moran and Jon Roufaeal
Music by Adam Podd and Doug Katsaros
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Labels: theatre unleashed
Friday, February 24, 2012
The Spidey Project Spins Its Web Over Los Angeles
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| Ryan J. Hill as Peter Parker Photos Courtesy of Theatre Unleashed |
Theatre Unleashed is launching its 5th season with the West Coast premiere of a musical that made big waves in 2011, Justin Moran’s The Spidey Project: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility. The original Broadway parody musical opened and closed before another highly publicized spider-musical could get off the ground…and it did it with no budget. Now Theatre Unleashed brings it to Los Angeles for a run that begins March 8 at Studio/Stage.
According to Theatre Unleashed’s managing director, Gregory Crafts, "The show is a natural fit for us. Actually, I think it was kind of fate. Last February, the show's creator, Justin Moran, put out a video on YouTube saying that he was going to write, score, cast, rehearse and produce a Spider-Man musical in thirty days with a budget of $0 and have it officially open before Turn Off the Dark did. I happened to see that video on Facebook about ten minutes after he posted it, and I reached out to Justin to offer my support."
Crafts helped spread the word about the show via his social networking sites and continued to follow its development. He was especially thrilled when they posted a video of the run on YouTube.
"I was blown away by the show's success and was amazed by the quality of the script and the music. I was also heartbroken that the show only ran one night in New York. I thought it deserved more…a lot more. So, when we started considering shows for our 2012 season, I contacted Justin and he was very open to the idea of us bringing The Spidey Project out west. The rest is history."
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| Darren T. Mangler as The Scorpion manhandles Ryan J. Hill as Spider-Man |
Crafts says The Spidey Project is a show that anyone can enjoy and appreciate. "It's faithful to the Spider-Man origin story, and hardcore Spider-fans will find all kinds of fun references and homages to the comic, yet it's accessible even to people who have never read a Spider-Man comic book. Also, I've gotten a lot of questions about whether the show is family-friendly or not. I would say it is, with the caveat that there is some profanity in it. If parents are okay with their kids seeing a show with a couple of swear words, I think they will absolutely love it and have a great time."
One of the fun twists about the musical is that it will feature a new Dr. Spiderman (pronounced ("spiddermin") every night. Crafts adds that the company has invited a variety of "name" talent to step into the role for a night. "It's a non-singing cameo with only one page of dialogue, but there's a lot of opportunity to do some really fun character work. It's the kind of role that a good actor can jump into, have a great time, and potentially steal the show.
We've got some really talented folks lined up, including Justin Moran, the creator of The Spidey Project, who will be joining us from New York for a night at the end of March. He played the role during the show's one-night run in New York, and we're all excited to have him join us. Another one of our surprise actors is the lead of an upcoming series on Showtime. We still have a few nights to fill but the character is drawing a lot of interest from Hollywood actors. It’s the first time we've ever done anything like this and it's really exciting!"
You can check out a sneak preview of songs from the show at Meltdown Comics on Sunset Boulevard this Saturday February 25 at 8pm. The variety show is a night of stand-up comedy, improv, and illusion, and will include portions of The Spidey Project prior to its opening on March 8.
TU is creating a number of additional opportunities as part of The Spidey Project experience. One of them is their partnership with Children's Hospital Los Angeles for a book drive to benefit their Literally Healing program. Crafts says, "CHLA has given us a wish list of titles and we've provided a list of locally owned children's bookstores on our blog that carries those books. Anyone that brings a NEW copy of one of the titles on their list to our box office can name their ticket price to see The Spidey Project at the door. We recommend that anyone who wants to contribute to the book drive reserve their seats in advance by calling our box office line at (818) 849-4039."
They are also collecting fan-made tributes to Spider-Man to display in the lobby of the theatre. "We're calling this effort the Spidey (Lobby) Project," he laughs. "We've had a lot of great drawings come in, mostly from kids, and we've collected a bunch of Spidey Haikus from our Facebook fans. Anyone interested in contributing can find all of the details about the Lobby Project on our blog. We want this to be a display of heartfelt tributes to one of the most iconic and beloved comic book characters of all time, created by fans for fans. Just like the show itself."
They’re even reaching out to the organizers at Comic Con International about an appearance/performance at WonderCon in Anaheim in March and San Diego Comic Con in July. Luckily Crafts is a man who knows how to dream big. "I know it seems like we're reaching out pretty far in a lot of different directions but this show represents a huge opportunity for us. A year ago, I was dreaming we'd get the West Coast premiere of a show that hadn't even been written yet and now it's happening. I love working with the folks at Theatre Unleashed because no idea is too 'out there.' This group is all about thinking big, trying the impossible, and making dreams come true. That's why I love them."
The Spidey Project is quickly becoming the hottest ticket in town, with several of the early dates already sold out. You can get more information on Theatre Unleashed’s website at http://www.theatreunleashed.com/.
The Spidey Project, March 8-April 14, 2012, Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm. Studio/Stage, 520 N. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004. Additional dates may be added.
Cast: Ryan J. Hill (Peter Parker), Krista Taylor (Gwen Stacy), Ben Atkinson (J. Jonah Jamison), Justin Baker (Kent Holbrook), Kyle Cooper( Flash), Gregory Crafts (Dr. Spiderman), Melissa Jobe (Aunt May), Darren T. Mangler (Uncle Ben), Lauren Turner (Betty), Jude Evans and Heather Lake (Swings)
Production Team: david chrzanowski (director & fight choreographer), Joanna Mercedes (choreographer), Jordan Ostrowski (music director), Katie Sikkema (scenic and costume designer), Michelle Stann (lighting designer), Corwin Evans (video/projection designer), Erin Scott (stage manager)
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Labels: spidey project, theatre unleashed